Wisdom

[Dave]

The wisdom of Alfred E. Neuman

[Asmodean]

If wisdom is a function of intelligence, why are not more of the highly intelligent people also sagely-wise?

[OldGit]

Too damn clever.

[xSilverPhinx]

If wisdom is a function of intelligence, why are not more of the highly intelligent people also sagely-wise?

There's fluid (Gf) and crystallized (Gc) intelligence, with wisdom probably being categorised in the latter. Some say that the former tends to be higher in younger years whereas the latter tends to be higher in older people. 

[Dave]

If wisdom is a function of intelligence, why are not more of the highly intelligent people also sagely-wise?

There's fluid (Gf) and crystallized (Gc) intelligence, with wisdom probably being categorised in the latter. Some say that the former tends to be higher in younger years whereas the latter tends to be higher in older people.

Ah, you introduce me to new concepts, xSP, fluid and crystallised intelligence eh? Will look that up. Think I can see the difference but need to be sure. Why have I never met this before I wonder?

[Asmodean]

I prefer the distinction of intelligence being related to one's capacity for learning while wisdom being one's (experience-based) capability for utilizing what was learned.

[xSilverPhinx]

If wisdom is a function of intelligence, why are not more of the highly intelligent people also sagely-wise?

There's fluid (Gf) and crystallized (Gc) intelligence, with wisdom probably being categorised in the latter. Some say that the former tends to be higher in younger years whereas the latter tends to be higher in older people.

Ah, you introduce me to new concepts, xSP, fluid and crystallised intelligence eh? Will look that up. Think I can see the difference but need to be sure. Why have I never met this before I wonder?

Wikipedia has some stuff on both types.

[Dave]

If wisdom is a function of intelligence, why are not more of the highly intelligent people also sagely-wise?

Hmmm, do you mean "intelligent" or "educated" I wonder, the last can seem to emulate the first but they are not synonymous. I have met those with a head full of knowledge but an inability to apply it.

[Dave]

I prefer the distinction of intelligence being related to one's capacity for learning while wisdom being one's (experience-based) capability for utilizing what was learned.

You sneaked this in whilst I was typing my last!

I see intelligence as the ability to apply one's knowledge and experience to life situations. Wisdom determines the "quality" of that application. Knowing that there are two viable solutions to a problem but that one may have unwanted outcomes the wise person chooses the one with the better action. Saves getting yer ear bent when the wife finds out!

Neither rely on formal education in the final analysis, the are inherent but can facilitate formal learning.

[xSilverPhinx]

I see intelligence as the ability to apply one's knowledge and experience to life situations.

That sounds like crystallised intelligence!

I think the subject of intelligence and wisdom is fascinating, but neither term is easy to define. Cognitive abilities such as the ability to learn, reason, solve problems, think in abstract terms, apply experience, think strategically are important. Even all kinds of memory and the ability to retrieve what is learnt plays a role in what defines intelligence.

Perhaps intuition deserves to be listed as well? 

 

[Asmodean]

If wisdom is a function of intelligence, why are not more of the highly intelligent people also sagely-wise?

Hmmm, do you mean "intelligent" or "educated" I wonder, the last can seem to emulate the first but they are not synonymous. I have met those with a head full of knowledge but an inability to apply it.

Nono, education relates to both, but is also a function of intelligence. Meaning, simply put, that intelligence is the x-axis on my imaginary graph, while wisdom and education are... Ought to be on the y-axis. The greater the intelligence, the greater the capacity to learn, which one would assume would reflect on things like wisdom and education. Often, however, it does not.

[Dave]

The greater the intelligence, the greater the capacity to learn . . .

Hmm, there are instances of those, "idiot-savants" for extreme e.g., who can learn without much functioning intelligence. Hmm, they can sometimes express a kind of wisdom, as can small kids.

If intelligence is the ability to learn and and the facility to be able to apply that knowledge appropriately, wisdom is knowing whether, when and how.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

I prefer the distinction of intelligence being related to one's capacity for learning while wisdom being one's (experience-based) capability for utilizing what was learned.

That's pretty much how I see it.  Wisdom is knowing how to put knowledge to work in the right way.

[Icarus]

I submit that wisdom is also a measure of the individuals ability to avoid shooting oneself in the foot.

Asmo's Cartesian scheme might make an interesting graph. A rather flat parabola I would guess.  something like (1-a/b)^n.....or not. In any case the philosophic implications of this discussion is a credit to the ones who have commented. 

[Dave]

I prefer the distinction of intelligence being related to one's capacity for learning while wisdom being one's (experience-based) capability for utilizing what was learned.

That's pretty much how I see it.  Wisdom is knowing how to put knowledge to work in the right way.

Think your definition still needs a definition of "right", Ecurb!

Doing something "the right way" should include the ability to not do it at all. The "right" thing can produce the "wrong" outcome! The little white lie is the "wrong" thing, maybe even morally or ethically,  that can produce the "right" output - thus it can be wise to lie.

So, intelligence is the ability to acquire, process and apply  knowledge, wisdom tells us how, when and even if we should so apply it at all?